Safety fluid transfer cannula

ABSTRACT

A cannula is disclosed for transferring fluid relative to a vial or intravenous port having an elastomeric membrane. The cannula includes a blunt solid penetration tip and one or more ports intermediate opposite ends of the cannula in communication with a passage opening into a Luer fit or a Luer lock for securing the cannula to the tip of a syringe. Indicia on the cannula between the proximal end and the ports represent a predetermined distance substantially corresponding to the extent of penetration of the side port of the cannula body through the membrane necessary to locate at least a portion of the side port on the opposite side of the membrane from the second end and directly adjacent the membrane.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related and has priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/690,520, filed Jun. 15, 2005, titled, “Self-Positioning, Universal Luer, Safety Fluid Transfer Cannula.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid aspiration and injection cannula or syringe barrel extension having safety features to preclude needle stick injuries and particularly relates to an aspiration/injection cannula particularly useful for withdrawing fluid from one or more standard vials, e.g., a medication vial into a standard hypodermic syringe and/or for injecting fluid into a similar vial or other containers or access ports such as the port of an intravenous (IV) line in a manner permitting safe transfer of fluid minimizing or eliminating the potential for accidental needle stick injuries. In the unlikely event that a skin penetration did occur with the subject cannula, even if it is contaminated, the likelihood of transmission of disease is reduced when compared to a standard hollow sharp metal needle.

The subject cannula may be a stand alone and removable device which can be fitted to a standard syringe or may be manufactured as an integral portion of a syringe barrel or a syringe barrel extension. This latter embodiment would constitute a non-removable syringe barrel extension with a penetrating tip having one or more features in common with the disclosed removable cannula.

The current healthcare work place, both in the hospital and in the home, offers many professional and personal safety challenges for healthcare workers. The increasing age of patients, the more complex nature of diseases and the incidence of serious infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis all contribute to increased personal risk and demands for the healthcare worker. The diminishing number of healthcare workers and their increasing average age exacerbates the problems of recruitment and retention in developed countries. The migration of skilled healthcare workers from developing countries places additional strains on the scarce human resources in these countries.

A significant factor in this serious healthcare situation is the transmission of infectious diseases by accidental needle stick injury. In the U.S. and Canada, legislation is in place mandating the use of medical devices with engineered safety features in an attempt to reduce needle stick injuries. This has led to the development of a number of safety syringes and needle related devices with different modes of operation, protecting used needles immediately after use, disposing of them in safety containers and eliminating sharp metal needles where possible. The subject cannula can replace the use of sharp metal needles for many clinical and pharmaceutical applications.

Medical device safety initiatives have in some cases been very successful but in others have not been as effective as anticipated or required. This may result from a number of factors including resistance to the need to change behavior or learn new techniques. In addition, the design of some safety devices has been too complex, not user friendly, or viewed by some as too expensive to adopt. Other factors resulting in failure of acceptance include devices which are difficult to train healthcare workers to use, require unusual dexterity or lack sound ergonomic design. On this background, simple, intuitive safety devices requiring minimal expertise for use and short or no training and learning cycles are most likely to be successfully adopted and result in significant reduction in needle stick injuries.

A number of designs of blunt cannula, pre-slit elastomeric membranes, e.g., septums, or Luer activated valves have been developed in an attempt to allow transfer of fluids without the use of sharp metal needles in situations where injections through the skin are not required. These would include fluid transfer or drug mixing, accessing ports of intravenous administration sets, i.e., IV lines, withdrawing fluid from medication vials and adding medication to intravenous solution bags. For example, at present, healthcare workers including pharmacists frequently aspirate solutions from medication vials for mixing or administering solutions. This process usually involves a large bore, sharp metal needle and a number of procedural steps. Attention must be paid to ensure sterility, accuracy and as much safety as possible. The number of steps involved can be quite large and the time taken to implement the steps significant. Plastic needles or cannula which are sufficiently sharp to penetrate the unsupported membrane of a medication vial stopper yet sufficiently blunt to prevent the easy penetration of a supported latex or rubber membrane such as a rubber glove worn on the hand are known. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,616,632 and 6,394,979.

More specifically, it is normal practice for healthcare workers while removing liquids from a vial to insert a standard sharp metal needle attached to a syringe through the stopper of the vial, i.e., the elastomeric membrane, invert the vial and withdraw the solution into the syringe. During this process, the healthcare worker carefully positions the tip of the needle, i.e., the external opening of the lumen of the needle just inside the vial, i.e., close to or directly adjacent the inner surface of the elastomeric membrane of the vial. The usual procedure to withdraw all or most of the fluid from the vial is to invert the vial ensuring pooling of the fluid contents downwards to the neck of the vial. With the tip of the hollow needle positioned just inside the vial as described, complete withdrawal of the fluid contents can be achieved. This procedure also minimizes the amount of unwanted air which is drawn into the syringe and which subsequently has to be expelled.

Moreover, the positioning of the needle tip may require repeated fine adjustments to ensure that the opening of the needle is at an optimal position. A bright and shiny metal needle can be relatively difficult to see because of the stainless steel material and reflections on both the needle and the curved surfaces of the neck of the vial or port, particularly if it is glass. Where the stopper and neck of the vial meet, i.e., where the needle tip is optimally positioned, the increased curvature of the glass or plastic vial neck may add to the difficulty of visualizing the needle tip.

Recapping a sharp metal needle is a procedure which is frequently associated with accidental needle stick injuries. A sharp metal needle is frequently removed from the syringe after it has been filled and usually requires recapping to accomplish this.

In addition, any inappropriate disposal of the sharp metal needle or even the understandable complete failure to dispose of a used contaminated needle in the chaotic clinical situation such as emergency cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), may result in an accidental needle stick injury to waste disposal or janitorial staff.

Generally in clinical use the sharp metal needle used for fluid transfer, having no retention mechanism, may easily and inadvertently slip out of a medication vial or IV line access port and expose the sharp tip thus creating the potential for accidental needle stick injuries.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cannula for transferring fluid relative to a vial or intravenous port or container having an elastomeric or other sealing membrane, comprising: a cannula body having first and second opposite ends; the first end terminating in a solid, i.e., non-hollow tip for penetrating the elastomeric membrane; the body having a passage opening through the second end and extending within the cannula body towards the first end, the passage opening through at least one port through a side surface of the cannula body thereby to enable flow of fluid along the passage and between the opening through the second end and the side port; indicia on the cannula body between the second end and the side port representing a predetermined distance substantially corresponding to the extent of penetration of the side port of the cannula body through the membrane necessary to locate at least a portion of the side port on the opposite side of the membrane from the second end and directly adjacent the membrane.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cannula for transferring fluid relative to a vial or intravenous port having an elastomeric membrane, comprising: a cannula body having first and second opposite ends; the first end terminating in a tip for penetrating the elastomeric membrane; the body having a passage opening through the second end and extending within the cannula body towards the first end, the passage opening through at least one port through a side surface of the cannula body thereby to enable flow of fluid along the passage and between the opening through the second end and the side port; a stop carried by the cannula body for engaging the membrane upon penetration of a portion of the cannula body through the membrane to locate at least a portion of the side port on the opposite side of the membrane from the second end.

The invention will now be described in detail, in connection with the drawings identified below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a standard syringe including a representation of an embodiment of a cannula and a cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the syringe with the cap removed and cannula inserted into a standard medication vial;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged side elevational view and of the cannula hereof;

FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A illustrating the cannula penetrating the septum of a medication vial;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the one-piece cannula with finger flanges, cannula retention features and a cannula Luer connector cap poised below the medication vial;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the transfer cannula according to a further form of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating a further form of cannula hereof with cutting edges to cut through an elastomeric membrane; and

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate further embodiments of the cannula hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIG. 1, a syringe generally designated 10 is illustrated including a plunger 12 and an integral cannula manufactured as a syringe barrel extension shown as 14 and 14A with a lumen opening or port 16 through a side surface of the integral cannula in communication with a passage, preferably axial through the cannula, in turn an extension of and therefore in communication with the interior of the syringe barrel 15. The tip 17 of the cannula 14 is semi-sharp, enabling the cannula 14 for penetration through the septum, i.e., an elastomeric membrane stopper of a vial, or a septum (possibly pre-slit) of an IV line access port. The relative bluntness of the tip 17 generally precludes penetration of the skin or of a protective glove as often worn by an individual using the syringe 10. Optionally, lubricity of the cannula may be enhanced by coating with a suitable commercially available polymer material, such as Parolene. In FIG. 1, a cap 18 is illustrated overlying the cannula 14 and is secured to the barrel 15.

In FIG. 2, a removable, Luer-connecting cannula is shown affixed to the Luer connector of a syringe and the cannula tip 14 is illustrated inserted through the elastomeric membrane 19 of a vial, e.g., a medication vial 20. The opening port 16 through the side surface of the cannula lies just within the vial adjacent the inner surface of the elastomeric membrane 19. It will be appreciated that most medication vials have stoppers 21 with septums, i.e., elastomeric membranes 19 of similar thickness. Accordingly, a stop 22 may be located along the side of the cannula 14 for locating the port 16 directly and closely adjacent the inside surface of the septum. The stop may also provide compression of the membrane against the portion of the cannula on the other side of the membrane and thereby provide some rotational and axial stability of the cannula at the desired predetermined optimal position. It will also be appreciated that more than one opening 16 may be provided, e.g., four openings at 90 degrees apart or any other number of openings at various circumferential or axial spacings and that various configurations of the ports are possible. The openings may be at right angles to the axial lumen or inclined in a forward or rearward direction relative to the axial passage 24 through the cannula 14 communicating between the port 16 and the interior of the syringe barrel. For example, a forward opening for port 16 would be appropriate upon withdrawal of the cannula to preclude excess fluid from streaming toward the face of the user if it is anticipated that fluid will be expressed through the cannula while it is not inserted into another container or port.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the preferred form of a removable cannula 14 of FIG. 2 is illustrated with greater particularity including a cannula body 30 terminating at one end in a cannula tip 32 similar to tip 17. The proximal or second end of the cannula body 30 terminates in a hub 33 having a generally frusto-conical shaped recess 34, e.g., a lower opening for receiving a complementary Luer shaped and dimensioned fitting, e.g., a frustoconical recess for receiving a complementary shaped conical male fitting on the end of a syringe barrel. The frustoconical recess 34 opens into a passage 36 extending partway through the annular body terminating in one or more side openings or ports 38 along the side surface of the cannula body 30. Finger flanges 40 are provided adjacent the second end or base of the cannula 30 to facilitate application and removal of the cannula relative to a Luer fit of a syringe male Luer connector as well as rotational, and axial stabilization of the cannula fitted onto the syringe after or during penetration of the cannula tip through the elastomeric membrane 19 of a vial or IV port. Preferably, the finger flanges comprise a pair of lateral projections on the cannula body 30 at about 180° apart from one another.

To enhance or diminish the mechanical strength of the attachment of the cannula to a standard syringe with a male Luer fitting conical projection, the dimensions or configuration or frusto-conical shaped recess 34 may be varied and not conform precisely to the standard Luer dimensions or configurations. The flexible nature of the plastic material of the syringe and cannula Luer connection would be expected to allow the dimensionally mismatching Luer connection to continue to provide an adequate fluid seal. The tab projections(FIG. 8 at 68, FIG. 6 at 64) which would normally engage the Luer threads(FIG. 6 at 65) of a Luer Lok connection may be present or absent similarly effecting the mechanical strength of the Luer connection and the ability to easily and rapidly disconnect the two. Since the introduction of Luer Lok connections all commonly available syringe interfacing devices have tabs to engage the Luer threads and therefore required significant rotation to connect or disconnect with a Luer Lok syringe or other device. The secure connection was required as in almost all instances there was a significant positive pressure generated during injection which would tend to disrupt a standard Luer slip connection (which does not have the external threads required to interact with the Luer Lok syringe). In at least one of the embodiments the cannula is intended only for aspiration, i.e., to fill or partially fill the syringe after which the cannula will be removed to allow the syringe to interface with another Luer Lok device such as a Luer Activated Valve (LAV) for injection. As this particular embodiment would not be used for injection, the strong and potentially disruptive pressure generated in the syringe during injection will not be applied to the cannula syringe connection. Hence the rotational Luer Lok connection is not only not necessary but more time consuming and slightly less ergonomically advantageous than the straight pull off present in the described embodiment (absent the ovoid Luer thread engaging tabs). In summary this will allow the removal of the cannula from either standard Luer or Luer Lok syringes without the need for rotation and unthreading of the cannula from the syringe (i.e., Universal Luer slip).

In this preferred embodiment, the cannula body 30 includes a head or penetration portion 44 which tapers from the tip 32 to an intermediate laterally enlarged transition portion 42 of the cannula body 30 and then to a laterally diminished portion or waist 49. While the taper from the tip 32 to waist portion 42 is about an axis of symmetry and forms a conical surface of revolution about the axis, it will be appreciated that the penetrating portion 44 of cannula body 30 may have other configurations, such as a concave surface of revolution. For example, the penetration portion 44 may be asymmetrical with respect to an axis between opposite ends of the body 30, may be cylindrical or oval at any cross-sectional configuration through the penetration portion 44 or may comprise ridges following the generally conical surface with concave recesses between adjacent ridges about the body 30. The waist portion 49 may likewise have the same cross-sectional configuration at the juncture of the waist portion 49 and the penetrating portion 44, i.e., cylindrical, oval, multi-channeled or the like.

In this embodiment, central portions 46 and 49 of the cannula body between the waist portion 42 and the proximal end (the lower end of body 30 in FIG. 3) may have the same or a different cross-section than the cross-section of the penetrating portion 44. For example, whereas the penetrating portion 44 may have a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration at any length therealong, the central portions 46 and 49 may have a cylindrical configuration or an oval configuration or any other type of cross-sectional configuration which will accept a seal when encompassed by the elastomeric membrane upon penetration of the cannula body through the membrane. As illustrated, the passage 36 extends from the tapered internal recess 34 to one or more openings or ports 38 through the side surface of the cannula body 30. While each side port 38 may be cylindrical and may open 90° relative to the length direction of the cannula body 30, preferably each side port 38 is elongated in a direction towards the opposite ends of the cannula body and lies in the region of the waist portion 42. Additionally, the undersurface of the transitional portion 42 may include anti-rotation features to preclude relative rotation of the cannula body and elastomeric septum when the cannula has penetrated the septum and lies in fluid communication with the vial or IV line. In one form, the anti-rotation feature includes a plurality of flanges 48 projecting toward the second or proximal end of the cannula body. Alternatively, a series of projections, e.g., dimples, ridges or simply a roughened surface along the underside of transitional portion 42 suffices to afford contact with the inside face of the septum when the cannula is engaged with the septum to preclude relative rotation between the cannula and the vial or IV port. Opposite the underside of the transitional portion 42 are rotational stops 22 which project in a direction toward the first end of the cannula 10. The projections 22 engage the outer surface of the elastomeric membrane to preclude or inhibit relative rotation between the cannula and vial or IV port and enhance axial stability. Projections 22 preferably terminate radially inwardly of the metal cap normally found on a medication vial. In this manner, the rotational stops 22 project beyond and into engagement with the outer surface of the elastomeric membrane to preclude or inhibit relative rotation between the cannula and vial before the margins of the finger flanges 40 engage the metal cap of the vial or IV port which otherwise would permit slippage between the cannula and the vial or IV port.

Additionally as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is provided a closure cap 60 for the proximal or second end of the cannula ,.e.g., female Luer connection lumen. Preferably, the closure cap 60 is attached to the cannula by a living hinge connected to the cannula body. The closure cap includes a frusto-conical surface 62 complementary to the interior frusto-conical surface 34 at the second end of the cannula. Thus, by inserting the cap 60 into the frusto-conical opening 34, at the proximal end of the cannula, the cap seals the opening at the proximal end against transfer of fluid in either direction along passage 36. Cap 60 is preferably secured to the cannula 30 by a tether 63. However, cap 60 may be separate from cannula 30.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the cannula 30 is a single unitary or integral cannula (with or without cap 60) formed of a plastic material. For example, polypropylene, ABS, or polycarbonate materials may be utilized to mold the cannula with or without a syringe barrel cannula extension although it will be appreciated that other materials may be utilized. Suffice to say that the integral one piece nature of the cannula facilitates its manufacture at low cost. Similarly, where the cannula is integral with the barrel or barrel extension the single unit manufacture is cost efficient.

The removable cannula may be grasped by the fingers of the healthcare worker about the finger flanges 40 and thereby readily manipulated for placement on a syringe. The cannula tip 32 is then brought into engagement with and penetrates through the elastomeric membrane 19 of the vial or IV port. Typically, medication vials do not have a slit similar to slits in some IV ports. Accordingly, the cannula body may be advanced with sufficient force to penetrate through the elastomeric membrane of the medication vial or pass through the pre-slit or other membrane of an IV port. The cannula is advanced until the elastomeric membrane 19 registers in the waist between the transitional portion 42 and the rotational stop 22. Because elastomeric membranes used in the vast majority of vials and IV ports have a substantially common thickness, the distance between the underside of the waist portion 42 and the surface of rotational stop 22 represents a pre-determined distance substantially corresponding to the extent of penetration of the side port 38 of the cannula body 30 through the elastomeric membrane necessary to locate at least a portion of the side port on the opposite side of and directly adjacent the membrane. This dimensional relationship thus enables the cannula body to be thrust through the membrane until stopped by the engagement of the stop 22 along the outside surface of the membrane or the engagement of the finger flanges 40 about the margin of the medication vial or IV port. Also, the side port 38 is located relative to the stop 22 such that the port 38 is located on the opposite side of the membrane from stop 22 directly adjacent the membrane. In this manner and particularly for use with medication vials which are inverted to withdraw fluid from the vial into a syringe, the side port is positioned to enable withdrawal of substantially the entire contents of the medication vial. That is, the distance between the stops 22 or the finger flanges 40 (FIG. 3B) and the side ports 38 corresponds to indicia on the cannula body representing a predetermined distance corresponding to the extent of penetration of the side port through the membrane necessary to locate a portion of the side port on the opposite side of the membrane from the proximal end of the cannula and directly adjacent the membrane. Thus, the cannula is automatically self-positioned such that the side port or ports 38 lie at a predetermined location relative to the stopper 19 and adjacent the inside surface and the stopper. As noted, the side port or ports 38 will lie just distal to the inside surface of the vial stopper to facilitate withdrawal of the entire contents of the vial. Moreover, the self positioning cannula is repeatable when fully inserted through the vial membrane and the positioning stop of the cannula comes to rest in contact with the membrane. This allows rapid, easy and predictable cannula positioning without visual reference, i.e., even if the vial is opaque or semi-opaque or in circumstances of poorer lighting or where visual positioning is difficult. This self or automatic positioning feature removes the necessity to manipulate the cannula once it has fully penetrated the membrane.

The undersurface of the transitional portion 42 in conjunction with the stop 22 also provide stabilization and retention features. For example, the location of the membrane within the slot or groove provides axial stability and the projections 48, with or without the stop 22 also provide rotational stability thereby maintaining optimal positioning of the cannula relative to the membrane with respect to various functions such as the ideal fluid withdrawal position or stability about axial or rotational axes during removal of the syringe from the cannula. The accuracy of the automatic positioning of the cannula and the port 38 ensures optimal emptying of the vial and tends to reduce aspiration of unwanted air as the fluid is withdrawn into the syringe. The side port(s) 38 will remain in communication with the fluid in the neck of the inverted vial until virtually all of the fluid contents are removed or the dose required is withdrawn. This has significant benefits in saving the time and effort required to position the cannula, fill a syringe and then perform the usual necessary removal of unwanted air from the syringe. Moreover, the elongation of the one or more ports 38 accommodates potential variations in the thickness of the membrane such that alignment of at least portions of each of the ports 38 with the interior of the inverted vial is assured. Further, the diameter of the fluid passage 36 is not dependent upon the diameter of the cannula tip 32 as it otherwise would be in the case of a sharp metal needle requiring the passage to terminate within the tip. As a consequence, the diameter of the passage 36 can be significantly greater than that of a standard hollow bore needle of similar tip dimension. Also, the lateral port 38 may have a similar or larger flow area than the passage 36. These features reduce significantly the resistance to fluid flow and the forces required to fill or empty the syringe with the cannula attached to the syringe. It will be appreciated that the solid semi-sharp cannula tip and the side external lumen port or ports 38 proximal to the distal tip render intentional or accidental use of the cannula for penetrating the individual's skin and injection of fluid highly unlikely, if not impossible.

In FIG. 5, there is illustrated another preferred embodiment of the cannula hereof wherein like reference numerals are applied to like parts as in the previous embodiment followed by the letter suffix “a”. Cannula 30 a is a similar to the cannula 30 of FIGS. 3A and 3B except that the stops 22 have been omitted. Preferably, the distance between the waist portion 42 a and the edges of the finger flanges 40 a correspond to the thickness of the septum 19 thereby locating the ports 38 a directly adjacent the inside face of the septum 19. In this drawing Figure, the ports 38 a are illustrated 180° apart.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the present invention wherein like reference numerals are applied to like parts followed by the letter suffix “b.” In this embodiment, the penetrating portion 44 b of the cannula 30 b includes a plurality of ribs 61 circumferentially spaced about the cannula body and proud of the tapered surface thereof. The ribs enable the cannula to open a sufficient passage in a previously unpenetrated elastomeric membrane 19 to allow the remainder of the cannula to pass through the membrane exposing the port 38 b directly adjacent to the inside face of the membrane. Also, the ribs 61 enable a cap 60 to frictionally interface with the ribs 61 to facilitate retention of the cap on the cannula body 30 b. As in the prior embodiments, it will be appreciated that the cross-section of the cannula penetration portion 44 b need not be annular and that the ribs 61 may take other forms and numbers thereof than illustrated. Also, the finger flanges may be omitted from this embodiment (as shown) as well as in the other embodiments.

Also as illustrated in FIG. 6, the cannula 30 b includes a plurality of anti-rotation projections 48 b extending in a direction toward the second end of the cannula for engaging the inside surface of the membrane. As previously noted, those projections 48 b inhibit relative rotation between the membrane and the cannula.

FIG. 6 also illustrates how a generally ovoid-shaped flange 64 at the base of the cannula body 30 b engages the Luer threads 65 in the syringe barrel 15 b. Similar flanges are also shown at 66 (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4), 68 (FIG. 5), 70 (FIG. 67), 72 (FIG. 8) and 74 (FIG. 9). The use of an ovoid-shaped flange to engage Luer threads is well known. On the other hand, it may be beneficial in some instances to omit the flange, thus leaving only a smooth, circular edge or end on the hubs 33, 33 a, 33 b, 33 c and 33 d. The circular end absent the flange would be too small to engage the Luer threads as best appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 8. However, a male Luer cone could still be utilized to engage a respective recess 34-34 d in an alternative Luer slip connection that would not require rotation for removal. Thus, the use of hubs without ovoid-shaped flanges could be used to create either a Luer lock (threaded) or Luer slip (non-threaded) connection between the cannula and the syringe.

In this regard, while the threads on the syringe barrel may be required for establishing a Luer lock connection with a standard needle or IV line after filling, a Luer slip connection with the cannula for purposes of filling as described herein may be sufficient.

FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the finger flanges 40 b carried by the cannula body 30 b, and with a cap 60 applied. In use, the healthcare worker simply removes the cannula cap 60 (see FIG. 7), engages the cannula against and penetrates the membrane, withdraws fluid from the medication vial and in one movement, in instances where the cannula and syringe have a Luer fit, may pull the syringe from the cannula leaving the cannula in the vial. Where the cannula is integral with the syringe barrel the steps of affixing the cannula to the Luer connection are eliminated. Alternatively, the finger flanges 40 b facilitate removal of the cannula from an unthreaded Luer slip fit on the barrel end of the syringe or facilitate threading of the cannula onto the syringe when the cannula is used with a threaded Luer lock fit on the syringe.

Referring to FIG. 8 wherein like reference numerals apply to like parts followed by the letter suffix “c,” the cannula 30 c has a penetration portion 44 c having a bulbous or convex outer surface 66 terminating in a blunt or semi-sharp tip 32 c. Also, at the proximal or second end of the cannula body 30 c, the proximal end terminates at the ovoid-shaped flange 72 forming part of a standard Luer lock for engaging the internal threads 70 the end of the syringe barrel.

Referring to FIG. 9, wherein like reference numerals are applied to like parts as in preceding embodiments followed by the suffix “d,” the cannula body 30 d includes an intermediate body portion 30 d between penetration portion 44 d and hub 33 d which preferably has a constant cross-sectional area. The intermediate portion may be cylindrical in cross-section but other cross-sections may be provided such as an oval cross-section. The port or ports 38 d open through the sides of the intermediate section and, as in prior embodiments, the side ports 38 d are located from the upper end of the hub 33 d a distance corresponding to the width of the membrane 19. Thus, upon penetration of the cannula body 30 d through the septum, the ports 38 d will be located directly adjacent the inside face of the membrane 19 and further penetration of the cannula body through the septum will be prevented by the abutment of the upper edge of the hub 33 d against the outerface of the septum 19. As in all previous embodiments, the cannula body 30 d terminates at its distal end in a penetration portion 44 d having a semi-sharp tip 32 d. It can be appreciated that this embodiment has the self positioning features seen in other embodiments but lacks the axial or rotational stabilizing features.

To enhance the speed of syringe filling, significantly strong forces may be used to rapidly withdraw the plunger and create a partial vacuum in the syringe. This technique requiring application of an axial force to the plunger may at times result in the unexpected displacement of the previously accurately positioned cannula tip through the vial stopper. The disclosed cannula in some embodiments reduces significantly this possibility because of the cooperation of the engagement of the vial or port with the stops 22 or finger flanges 40 against the vial or port and the position and configuration of retention features such as 48B. Additional performance benefits reside in the positioning of the cannula relative to the vial or IV port, the relative fixation of the cannula through cooperation of the vial or IV port, stopper and cannula and the elimination of the need for visualization of the cannula tip when inserting the tip through the membrane. Further, the ease of completely emptying the vial and the reduction in inadvertent aspiration of air into the syringe are added performance benefits. The single piece integrally molded plastic cannula and the ability to manufacture it if so desired integral with a syringe barrel, may result in improved simplicity in use, packaging and manufacturing with resultant cost reduction.

Various performance features, while not all inclusives, may be summarized as follows:

-   -   The solid tip of the cannula is sufficiently sharp to penetrate         and puncture drug vial stoppers.     -   The solid tip of the cannula is not sufficiently sharp to         penetrate a latex or rubber glove worn on an individual's hand.     -   The solid cannula tip is relatively blunt (i.e., semi-sharp) and         can penetrate skin only with considerable difficulty and force.     -   Reduced likelihood of accidental needle stick injury.     -   Reduced likelihood of disease transmission if a needle stick         injury occurs because of the solid tip. (vs. hollow)     -   The cannula ports are of optimized configuration, distant from         the cannula tip and lie at optimized positions for complete         evacuation of fluid from the vial.     -   The vial stopper or IV port membrane captures the cannula within         the stopper or membrane at reliably repeatable axial positions.     -   Suitability and compatibility for use with standard Luer fit or         Luer lock with little or no training required for use.     -   One piece integral product manufactured at low cost using         inexpensive materials.     -   May be manufactured integral with a syringe barrel.     -   Non-coring penetration, i.e., the solid tip, reducing likelihood         of undesirable particulate formation and medication         contamination.     -   Solid tip reduces likelihood of disease transmission in         comparison with standard hollow tip metal needles.     -   Enhanced lubricity of the cannula by secondary treatment eg         Paralene improves the ability to penetrated easily and fully a         membrane     -   Enhanced performance in flow rate and pressure during use, since         fluid passage is not dependent upon the diameter of an opening         at the needle tip as in standard metal needles.     -   Diminished likelihood of air aspiration while filling the         syringe.     -   Improved visibility of cannula over similar sized needles.     -   Automatic optimal cannula positioning without need for         visualization.     -   Features tending to cause either or both rotational and axial         stability when the cannula has penetrated the vial or IV port         membrane.     -   Reduced number of procedural steps during standard aspiration         procedure.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing disclosure and features provide an aspiration/injection semi sharp cannula which enhances the safety and efficiency of the transfer of fluids and medication solutions and can be used with currently available standard equipment simplifying the transferal process resulting in time and cost savings and by eliminating in some cases the need for sharp metal needles improved safety.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A cannula for transferring fluid relative to a vial or intravenous port having an elastomeric membrane, comprising: a cannula body having first and second opposite ends; said first end terminating in a tip for penetrating the elastomeric membrane; said body having a passage opening through said second end and extending within said cannula body towards said first end, said passage opening through at least one port through a side surface of the cannula body thereby to enable flow of fluid along said passage and between the opening through said second end and said side port; indicia on said cannula body between said second end and said side port representing a predetermined distance substantially corresponding to the extent of penetration of the side port of the cannula body through the membrane necessary to locate at least a portion of the side port on the opposite side of the membrane from the second end and directly adjacent the membrane.
 2. A cannula according to claim 1, including a stop carried by said cannula body for abutting the vial or intravenous port precluding further penetration of the cannula body past the membrane into the vial or intravenous port.
 3. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said passage extends axially at least in part through the cannula body.
 4. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said cannula body is generally circular about an axis along the body between said opposite ends.
 5. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said cannula body is generally asymmetrical about an axis along the body between said opposite ends.
 6. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said tip is insufficiently sharp to easily penetrate an individual's skin or a protective glove.
 7. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said second end includes a frusto-conically tapered recess with sidewalls converging toward one another in a direction towards first end.
 8. A cannula according to claim 7, wherein said second end terminates at a smooth, circular edge.
 9. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said second end includes a flange adapted to engage threads in a Luer lock fitting.
 10. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said cannula body includes a lateral projection for engaging the opposite side of the membrane to at least inhibit withdrawal of the cannula body from the membrane.
 11. A cannula according to claim 10, wherein said lateral projection includes a continuous flange about the cannula body and located along the cannula body between the side surface port and said second end.
 12. A cannula according to claim 10, wherein said lateral projection includes at least one protuberance to at least inhibit rotation of the cannula body relative to the membrane.
 13. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said second end includes a frusto-conically tapered recess with sidewalls converging toward one another in a direction towards said first end, and a closure cap carried by said body for closing the tapered recess at said second end of the cannula body.
 14. A cannula according to claim 1, including at least one finger flange projecting laterally from said cannula body adjacent said second end facilitating grasping the cannula body by an individual's fingers.
 15. A cannula according to claim 14, wherein said indicia includes a stop carried by said one finger flange for abutting the vial or intravenous port precluding further penetration of the cannula body past the membrane into the vial or intravenous port.
 16. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said cannula body includes a plurality of projections therealong between said side surface port and said first end to facilitate retention of a cannula cap on said cannula body.
 17. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said cannula body includes a plurality of ridges along said cannula body between said side port and said first end to facilitate penetration through the membrane of the vial or port.
 18. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein a first portion of the cannula body between said tip and said side port has a cross-sectional configuration different than a cross-sectional configuration of a second portion of the cannula body along said predetermined distance thereof.
 19. A cannula according to claim 18, wherein said first portion of the cannula body is symmetrical about a cannula body axis to facilitate penetration of the membrane and the second portion of the cannula body is asymmetric to inhibit rotation of the cannula body relative to the membrane when engaged to the membrane.
 20. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said side port is elongated in directions towards said opposite ends.
 21. A cannula according to claim 1, wherein said indicia includes means providing a tactile sensation to the user representative of the passage of the predetermined distance upon insertion of the cannula body into the membrane.
 22. A cannula according to claim 1 wherein the surface of the said tip is treated to increase lubricity and thereby enhance the passage of the cannula through a membrane after initial penetration is effected by the semi sharp tip.
 23. A cannula for transferring fluid relative to a vial or intravenous port having an elastomeric membrane, comprising: a cannula body having first and second opposite ends; said first end terminating in a tip for penetrating the elastomeric membrane; said body having a passage opening through said second end and extending within said cannula body towards said first end, said passage opening through at least one port through a side surface of the cannula body thereby to enable flow of fluid along said passage and between the opening through said second end and said side port; a stop carried by said cannula body for engaging the membrane upon penetration of a portion of the cannula body through the membrane to locate at least a portion of the side port on the opposite side of the membrane from the second end.
 24. A cannula according to claim 23, wherein the side portion is elongated in a direction toward the opposite end of the cannula body.
 25. A cannula according to claim 23, wherein said stop precludes further penetration of the cannula body portion through the membrane when the side port portion lies directly adjacent said opposite membrane side.
 26. A cannula according to claim 23, wherein second end terminates at a smooth, circular edge.
 27. A cannula according to claim 23, wherein said second end includes a flange adapted to engage threads in a Luer lock fitting.
 28. The cannula according to claim 1 integrally molded with a syringe barrel.
 29. The cannula according to claim 23 integrally molded with a syringe barrel.
 30. A cannula with a solid tip and side openings molded integrally with and as an extension of a syringe barrel.
 31. A cannula for transferring fluid comprising: a cannula body having first and second opposite ends; said first end terminating in a tip and said body having a passage opening through said second end and extending within said cannula body towards said first end; said second end terminating in a hollow hub having external flanges for engaging threads in a Luer lock fitting on a syringe barrel; and a pair of finger flanges axially between said first and second ends, adjacent said hub for facilitating application and removal of the cannula from the syringe barrel. 